In a “real-time” broadcast on HBO on Friday, host Bill Maher said that one of the reasons China manages the world’s rare earth mineral markets is because zoning and environmental laws have made it difficult for the US to mine for the rare earth minerals themselves.
Speaking about China’s rare earth mineral market dominance and saying, “China has all of them,” Maher said, “To me, this is the essence of something very f*cked about this country. Why there’s no one there, so why does it make sense. Listen to this. The Times can build more rare earth mines.
Maher added that China can build rare earth mines “for zoning and environmental reviews and all this shit, like a week in contrast to 29 years.”
Maher then urged Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) to create the fact that “it’s not that we can’t do anything anymore, it’s not permitted.”
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